Other major luxury brands have recently opened new stores, reinforcing the country’s position as Southeast Asia’s main luxury hub.
Chanel restaged its Cruise 2026 show at the Raffles Hotel Singapore on November 4, marking the brand’s return to the city after more than a decade. The last time Chanel held a show in Singapore was in 2013, when Karl Lagerfeld presented the Cruise 2013/14 collection at the Loewen Cluster in Dempsey Hill. The original 2026 presentation was first unveiled in May at Villa d’Este by Lake Como, Italy.
Around a thousand guests attended the Singapore show, including regional clients, editors, and celebrities. Models walked through the hotel’s courtyard and corridors instead of a traditional catwalk, reflecting the brand’s relaxed, travel-inspired theme.
Related story: Chanel unveils Cruise 2026 collection in majestic Lake Como
Related story: For his Chanel debut, Matthieu Blazy turns the Grand Palais into a celestial stage for Spring 2026
Southeast Asia and the rise of luxury in the region
Luxury spending in Southeast Asia has grown sharply in recent years. Vogue Business reports that sales in the region reached about €12 billion in 2022, increasing more than 70 percent year-on-year. By 2030, an estimated 30 million more consumers will join the mid- and high-income group across the region.
In Singapore, major brands such as Dior, Prada, and Acne Studios recently opened new stores, reinforcing the country’s position as Southeast Asia’s main luxury hub.
By bringing its Cruise 2026 show to Raffles Hotel — a 138-year-old property often linked with Singapore’s luxury history — Chanel signaled its intent to strengthen ties with this growing market.
Inside the collection
The Cruise 2026 collection revisits the idea of leisurewear. It featured sequined lace dresses, crochet skirts, pastel co-ords, and lightweight tweed sets. Chanel’s signature tweed was updated for the climate, using looser weaves, shorter cuts, and softer tones such as ivory, blush, and pale gold.
Related story: For Fall 2025/26, Chanel Couture revisits its roots as it prepares for a new chapter
Related story: Chanel celebrates 100 years in UK with new arts and culture magazine
Evening looks included jumpsuits, lurex suits, and shimmering separates designed for both day and night. The pieces were designed by the Chanel Creation Studio, ahead of the new artistic director, Matthieu Blazy, who was appointed in December 2024.
“It’s completely equatorial; there’s no season attached to it; no time of day,” said Chanel ambassador and actress Tilda Swinton, who attended in a gold lurex suit. “I was looking at every piece thinking you could wear that look at 11am in the morning or 6pm in the evening. It feels very fluid.”
Other attendees included Liu Wen, Rebecca Armstrong, Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano, and Thai actors Aokbab Chutimon and Gemini Norawit, alongside Singaporean guests Benjamin Kheng, Nathan Hartono, and Tasha Low.
As luxury demand in Southeast Asia continues to rise, Singapore is becoming a key stop for global brands looking to connect with new, high-spending consumers.
The Cruise 2026 collection is now available in Chanel boutiques.
Related story: Upcoming attractions to explore in Singapore, Asia Pacific’s ‘best city’ for 2025
Related story: Take a look inside Prada Caffè Singapore, the maison’s first bistro in Southeast Asia
Related story: Coach’s coffee shop in Singapore has chili crab soft serve—no kidding!
